Quietmind Foundation, a not-for-profit clinical research, consultation, and training organization at the forefront of noninvasive, drug-free treatments for dementia and other neurocognitive impairments, is launching the first-ever clinical trial of its type to assess a new approach to improve mental functioning for sufferers of early-stage dementia. The researchers currently seek to enlist potential participants for this study. Relevant contact information is included at the end of this report for those who want to inquire about possible participation in this clinical trial.

The study measures whether problems with executive functioning (including attention, working memory, strategies of learning and remembering, planning, organizing, self-monitoring, inhibition, and flexible thinking) can be positively influenced by repeated brief exposures to 1072nm infrared light stimulation to increase cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygenation. Early results from testing the technology in the United Kingdom have been encouraging.

The infrared light device to be used in this study.

“We have seen strong early evidence that infrared light stimulation can help dementia patients regain lost ground,” notes Marvin H. Berman,Ph.D. who heads Quietmind Foundation (QMF). “This approach also represents a new direction for those seeking nonpharmacological treatment for themselves or their loved ones.”

This randomized, controlled, double-blind study requires that applicants be between the ages of 50 and 85 and previously diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Participants go through several initial steps, including an evaluation of cognitive functioning, a specialized electroencephalographic (EEG) recording of brain activity, and pen and paper cognitive testing. In addition, the study requires a 28-day commitment. Those selected are randomly assigned to receive either an active treatment or a placebo treatment daily for 28 consecutive days.

Study participants will be compensated $250 for their time after their full participation in the clinical trial. The initial trial will be conducted at QMF’s offices in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., or select area locations. Other locations will be considered based on expressed interest.

“Infrared light energy is already being used today in wide-ranging, proven applications – from the treatment of common cold sores and chronic pain to life-saving, battlefield wound healing,” notes Jack Lebeau, M.D., FACC, QMF’s Medical Director and the study’s Principal Investigator. “We at QMF are hopeful that infrared’s apparent cell protection and regeneration properties will be equally successful against the mechanism of dementia.”

About Quietmind Foundation
Quietmind Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2000, is an international center for cutting-edge research and consultation in the use of brainwave (EEG) biofeedback and related technologies. Its ongoing research agenda – and the nondrug, noninvasive treatments offered through its affiliate, Quietmind Associates – focuses on the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, including dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, and MS as well as traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and learning disabilities. The Foundation’s goal is to integrate innovative technologies and evidence-based behavioral interventions into governmental, public health, and educational service delivery systems.

QMF’s prior research on Alzheimer’s disease was accepted for presentation at the July 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD) in Vienna, Austria. This research demonstrated improvements in subjects’ memory, executive function, and psychiatric symptoms, and a reduction in medications.

Learn More / Contact Information
To learn more about this clinical trial and Quietmind Foundation, contact Marvin H. Berman, Ph.D., CBT, BCN, at (610) 940-0488 or marv…@quietmindfdn.org. (click to verify and reveal email). Additional information is also available at the QMF website at www.quietmindfdn.org.

About Christopher Fisher, PhD

Dr. Christopher Fisher, Managing Editor for The Behavioral Medicine Report, received his PhD in Clinical Health Psychology & Behavioral Medicine from University of North Texas. His clinical training emphasized a biopsychosocial approaches to health and wellness, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), neurofeedback, biofeedback, cranial electrical stimulation (CES), and QEEG. He is Board Certified in Neurofeedback (BCN) by BCIA. Dr. Fisher also received a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M - Corpus Christi.
Dr. Fisher maintains a private practice in Corpus Christi, Texas, and offers individual therapy, group therapy, peripheral biofeedback, and neurofeedback. You can learn more at http://www.christopherfisherphd.com
Dr. Fisher enjoys spending time with family, watching sports and movies, and outdoor activities.

Therefore, if cells are lacking in oxygen and nutrients from poor circulation in the spinal area which causes terrible cramps and pain, then infrared wavelengths can stimulate muscles and nerves to function again!Infrared light therapy is a very powerful new technology that relieves pain from most conditions including neuropathic pain.